Leading French artist Michel Maly will be exhibiting at Balman Gallery in Corbridge this summer.

Michel’s paintings are accompanied by new originals from leading British figurative artist, Noel Bensted, and Dan Bennett’s kaleidoscopic, colourful originals.

The exhibition will run at the Balman from June 21 to August 1.

Michel Maly was born in 1936 in Blois, France. This internationally acclaimed artist started painting in 1955 and exhibiting in 1959.

Since then he has been widely and constantly exhibiting his work all over Europe, America and Japan.

Michel was awarded the Prix Fénéon, the prize of the University of Paris. In 2006 he published his book Maly. His work is held in important collections globally.

French artist Michel Maly's Blue Lagoon

Michel Maly’s paintings often feature French cafe life and are suffused with the atmosphere of France. Others capture the mystic beauty of Venice. Maly’s passion for both people and place emerges strongly in his distinctive work.

Noel Bensted was born in 1970 and studied illustration at Brighton University and the Royal College of Art. Noel has recently been shortlisted for the internationally prestigious BP Portrait Award, and was exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery as a result, adding to his growing international reputation.

Noel’s paintings are peopled with vibrant figures, full of the edginess and vitality of urban life. His work has a cinematic quality, emphasized by his bold brush strokes and strong colours. Noel Bensted’s paintings are regularly exhibited throughout the United Kingdom and North America.

Dan Bennett’s kaleidoscopically patterned paintings formalise and celebrate his natural subjects and his bright colours celebrate those of the flowers, seed heads and underwater scenes. His works are vivid and dramatic, with great presence. Dan’s collectable work has appeared in numerous magazines.

These paintings are contemporary classics, full of life and colour, making this a must-see exhibition.